So I am new to this photography stuff, but I have found a AE-1 program camera for a pretty good deal(under $75). The camera comes with leather case, instructions, camera bag, ultra violet lens filter. I was just wondering what this was worth, I don't see myself shooting much film but it may be fun. any help is appreciated, thanks

I don't know their street value, but for vintage 35mm, they're an excellent camera. My parents bought the same one back in the 70's before they were married. My mother is a landscape artist, used it for reference photos (and family photos). They only stopped using it in the last 5 years maybe, once film processing became too difficult.

She sends me scans of our photos from time to time, and they're always excellent. Crisp, clear colors, doesn't hurt Mom was good with a camera, either. I always took our family photos for granted until I put the slideshow together for my wedding and saw my wife's family photos...

I like mine a lot, and picked up a 135mm lens to go with the 50mm. Looks like a good deal to me, though with film cameras you always have a chance of finding them for next to nothing at yard sales and such.

Just keep in mind that an AE-1 is an FD mount manual focus camera. If you have modern canon gear, then you will not be able to share your lenses between the two without adaptors. There are EOS Film cameras out there that are decently cheap and take the modern lenses with auto-focus abilities.

Just something to consider before jumping.

Also, in my view if you are going to go for film, I say go medium format. You pay a little more, but you can get a lot more out of it. Or large format if you're overly keen.

I had an AE-1 that I got from a friend after she went through film school. Good cameras for sure. I put two rolls through mine and passed it on to another friend. I prefer my Yashica over it just because I have more glass for it but the AE1 is a great camera. Actually, I have a photo of an AE1 as my desktop wallpaper on my computer at work

AE-1's are great for a beginner film camera, even advanced photography. That being said, if you want more options when it comes to lenses (modern) you can find Canon K1's and T1's all day long sub $50 on eBay. These are great film SLR cameras, I purchased my K1 new for around $200 7 years ago.

If you think you might keep with it, you could consider going with Nikon, as their F mount hasn't changed since the 50's.

The N2000 is a fine manual focus film body that offers both manual and automated exposure PLUS compatibility with newer bodies/lenses PLUS a host of nice features not on the AE-1 Program (such as film advance).

The AE-1 is great and has always been one of the best of its breed. It's also a dead end system...